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2 days ago
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News
Oyo State House of Assembly
Oyo State House of Assembly has issued a strongly-worded rebuttal to the claims made by Ibrahim Shittu, the member representing Saki West State Constituency, over the recent emergency plenary session, which he falsely alleged was used to secretly approve N300billion loan request from the Executive without proper notification to members.
In a statement signed by the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), the assembly described Shittu’s claims as not only misleading, but also a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.
The statement clarified that the emergency plenary held on August 19 was duly and officially notified on the assembly’s general platform.
A screenshot of the message from the majority leader indicates that all members were informed of the session, a notification acknowledged by some members.
“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance. Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practised in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,” he said.
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In refuting Shittu’s claims, the statement said the so-called N300 billion loan included N149 billion meant to refinance an existing loan facility with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while only N151 billion constituted a new request to support infrastructure and contractors’ financing, a distinction Shittu failed to acknowledge, either ignorantly or deliberately.
The house also expressed concern about Shittu’s abysmal performance and participation rate.
Upon verification, Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20 per cent, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“Shittu is always absent at all critical legislative sittings such as budget presentation and the State of the State Address by the governor. Shittu was the only member, who failed to participate in the recently-concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state.
“His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either non-existent or irrelevant.
“It is clear that Shittu has not only failed his constituents, but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with. He has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” the statement added.
The house reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and legislative excellence, urging the public to disregard the politically-motivated antics of non-performing lawmakers.
“Rather than peddle unfounded allegations, Shittu should redirect his energy towards becoming a functional legislator. His pattern of absenteeism and non-participation is an embarrassment to the institution and to the people of Saki West,” the statement concluded.
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